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NRA CEO rails against video games, media

On Twitter, the reaction was immediate and harsh, with pundits on both sides of the political spectrum criticizing LaPierre. As the National Review Online’s Kathryn Jean Lopez blogged Friday: “Obvious prediction: This will not be a civil debate. I don’t think reporters needed the permission to hate the NRA that a no-questions press conference that included an indictment of media provided them, but wow, there is no room for ‘a serious conversation’ on Twitter right now.”

If anyone thought that there might be a bit of contrition from the #NRA, um, that’s not happening.— Jim Roberts (@nytjim) December 21, 2012

Good God, the #NRA believes this: “the only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is to have a good guy with a gun.” via WSJ liveblog— Jeff Jarvis (@jeffjarvis) December 21, 2012

While I agree with the NRA and LaPierre’s points in substance, I’m not sure this presser was good in style a week after Newtown.— Erick Erickson (@EWErickson) December 21, 2012

After JFK assassination, NRA got out of the mail-order rifle business. Coming out against Internet sales now would have been a good thing.— Jeffrey Goldberg (@JeffreyGoldberg) December 21, 2012

In all fairness LaPierre was betting pretty hard on the Mayans, didn’t prepare his speech before hand.— Andrew Kaczynski (@BuzzFeedAndrew) December 21, 2012

LaPierre wants national database of mentally ill but NRA has blocked national registry of gun ownership— Joel Achenbach (@JoelAchenbach) December 21, 2012

Readers' Comments (10)

What were people expecting. Lapierre and the NRA are like a drug dealer, they weren't going to curtail their business which is predicated on the death of innocent Americans to make money for the gun industry. Every time their is a mass shooting the NRA and the gun industry smiles b/c they just hit the jackpot again of more money for them.

I am one of the most anti-gun people out there, yet I respect the rights of others to own firearms in a responsible matter (even as I quibble with their misinterpretation of the Second Amendment).

I don't think this is a "gun control" issue per se. It is all about the responsible ownership and selling of firearms. This is an opportunity for the responsible gun owners (who are the majority) to take charge of the debate and lead - there is no reason they should be punished for the actions of the (loud and irresponsible) minority.

The NRA is about one thing and one thing only- ginning up fear that the President is "coming after your guns" as a tool to raise money. After their deafening silence this week followed by an anemic and cowardly response, it is time for them to step aside and let the adults in the room take over.

The only way to keep teachers and students safe is to make sure that they have more powerful weapons than any potential attackers. Lets arm them all with shoulder mounted RPG's and maybe some hand grenades! That otta keep the bad guys at bay...

After that disgusting dog-and-pony show, it's obvious that the NRA is digging in its heels on this issue and wants no part of any reasonable solution. I hope every member of this blood-drenched organization never gets another good night's sleep.

Will President Obama take immediate action to protect our children? Samuel L. Jackson just said, " I DON'T THINK SANDY HOOK IS ABOUT MORE GUN CONTROL . . . THIS EVIL IS ABOUT PEOPLE WHO AREN'T TAUGHT THE VALUE OF LIFE. "

It's not a press conference because Keene and LaPierre did not have the courage to answer questions. Call it what it was -- an arrogant statement by an organization that would rather see children buried than give an inch on gun ownership.